Markets In A Minute for week ending Dec 14, 2018: Possible hold on 2019 rate hikes
This week on The Markets In a Minute: The 2019 rate hikes could possibly be on hold, new unemployment numbers and more.
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- The Fed’s plans to continue raising policy rates next year may be on hold. However, a policy rate hike at next week’s FOMC meeting is still likely
- The core consumer price index, which is a key measure of inflation, picked up in November. Inflation could put pressure on mortgage rates to move higher.
- Unemployment claims fell to a near 49-year low last week. The drop could ease concerns about a slowdown in the labor market and economy.
- Data for November shows mortgage applications for newly constructed homes were down 14% from October. Applications were also down 11% year over year.
- Freddie Mac is helping to lower utility bills for hundreds of thousands of low- and middle-income renters. It’s part of their 3-year “Duty to Serve” plan.
- Freddie and Fannie Mae have announced a nationwide suspension of eviction lockouts on foreclosures for the holiday season, from Dec. 17 through Jan. 2.
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”
– Bobby Unser
| Rate movements and volatility are based on published, aggregate national averages and measured from the previous to the most recent midweek daily reporting period. These rate trends can differ from our own and are subject to change at any time. |
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